While there could be a simple explanation for the transactions, none is forthcoming from Mulcair’s office.

“Mr. Mulcair and his wife made these decisions for personal and family reasons,” said George Soule, Mulcair’s press secretary, in an email.

“They are part of their private life.”

If past opposition leaders are any example, Mulcair is likely to become the target of Conservative Party attack ads before the next election. As a New Democrat, his credibility as financial manager will likely figure into the critique.

So my question for readers is do you think this is a legitimate area of attack – i.e. the article itself and then any subsequent truth-ads from other parties?

Personally I am enjoying the notion of the media waking up to the fact that Thomas Mulcair is only one election away from possibly being the next Prime Minister of Canada and therefore must be subjected to the same level of scrutiny as any serious challenger.

Think of how CTV struggled with the now infamous Do-Over requests of Stephane Dion.

When the entire country depends on the media to uncover truth about serious election choices, there is an inherent responsibility to be honest and forthcoming with relevant information so the electorate can make an informed decision.

Of course we on the right often bemoan the usual media filter that seems to routinely minimize the transgressions of opposition, while amplifying or even inventing pseudo-scandals and Wafer-chases regarding the Conservative party.

But is it possible that some in MSM actually have a conscience and see it as their duty to inform us in a non-partisan manner when the economic welfare of the country could be at risk?

It is a comforting thought.

* * * *

Update

O.K. After careful consideration and discussion with readers in Comments, I have revised my opinion:

84 Responses to Mulcair now fair game?

Mulcair’s management of his own personal finances is one thing but as leader of the NDP in Official Opposition/governing party in waiting, we’d have a double whammy. An NDP government would put the economic welfare of Canada at high risk no matter how Mulcair managed his own affairs. That’s the scary part.

The facts are now out, lets see what the media does with it. Mully can be a nasty piece of work, if he gets riled he may lose it and further scuttle his hopes beyond Quebec borders, if indeed he has any hopes beyond Quebec. It will be interesting to see how well he handles his visit to Fort McMurray, how well he will be received.

I know I may bore some people (again) with this opinion … I’ve always held that details about politicians’ private lives should not be fodder for public viewing, and regardless of how much I may disagree with Thomas Mulcair’s ideas and policies — or any other politician, for that matter — I think a hands-off policy should apply to private matters.

What I see happening is a Conservative attack ad and/or Conservative MPs getting up during Members’ Statements prior to Question Period talking about Mulcair’s multiple mortgages — and then, inevitably, the MSM playing up the Conservatives’ “mean-spiritedness”. In other words, the Conservatives would be taking the bait by reinforcing the image the anti-Harper crowd has created of PM Harper & his team. There are already intimations by Ian Capstick in the Maher piece that it was the Conservatives who dug up that information, again reinforcing another negative image of the Conservative “machine” supposedly keeping track of all sorts of details about Canadians through their CIMS.http://www.thetelegram.com/Editorial/2007-10-20/article-1457492/Someone-is-watching-you/1

In an age when many people are concerned about their own mortgage … I don’t know that the Conservatives focussing on this private issue would be a good strategy. There has been plenty of criticism about Mulcair’s POV on the oilsands & the so-called Dutch disease. Better to focus on that rather than on details about his personal life.

i agree as well. as someone who has purchased nine homes and has had as many mortages i do not think mulcair’s reason for the mortage is anyone’s business but his own. maybe he just wanted to take advantage of the increase in value by taking cash out.

I don’t think things like personal finances should be made public, whatever they may be. However I am waiting to see how the Ottawa media handles this. I just put a post up on my blog. It should be interesting to see what Fife, Taber, and McCharles think about this. Given how they handled the Geurgis mortage info being released by the the Ottawa Citzen. Even devoted an entire segment of Question Period on it.

I don’t disagree that politicians private lives should be off-limits, but it’s not a black and white issue. For instance, in the last election the media refused to report on the state of Layton’s health – private life, yes, but on the other hand if a dozen seats had gone the wrong way, we would have had Prime Minister Layton (briefly) and then what. An interim Prime Minister while the NDP had a leadership race, a PM Mulcair without the support of the country, or would Rae have been tempted to run as NDP leader ? Who knows, but however that played out it would have been pretty disastrous for the economy in particular and the country in general.

In the same way, increasing his mortgage 11 times in about 25 – 30 years, or about every 2 -3 years, raises some troubling red flags. Basically, there are two common reasons for increasing your mortgage. One, you buy a bigger house, or you upgrade the current one, and two, you want to raise some cash on the property. I think information about a politician’s mortgage generally comes under “private”, but in this case, the behaviour is unusual at best, possibly questionable. If a politician is having money problems, then I do think the public has a right to know. Either he cannot manage his own affairs, which disqualifies him from managing a government IMHO, or he may be open to all kinds of consequences from blackmail to influence-peddling, which is obviously not good.

It’s unfortunate, but I do think Mulcair should give some kind of explanation for this although I’m not holding my breath. I don’t think the CPC should run ads about it, but maybe the Daring Duo of Maher/McGregor will pursue this for a bit as they seem to have run out of robocall stories, even recycled ones.

I’m thinking Mahar and MacGregor will get this going just enough to bait Conservatives then start attacking them if they do take it. Lets hope we are better than that and go after his political policies which give us lots of fodder and grow by the day.

Yes, it does smell like a trap. Anyway Conservatives should concentrate on the Mulcair’s “Dutch disease” Now that is fair game.
Personal attacks no, attacks on policy, yes. The dynamic duo of Maher/MacGregor cannot be trusted. They are very slippery IMHO.

I don’t think the CPC oppos. will touch this. The Liberal oppos. though, because they continue to stagnate with Bob Rae and it doesn’t seem they’re going to improve their fortunes any time soo, will most definitely jump on this.

In fact I’d be surprised if the Liberals don’t.

I will say that I agree partially with Gabby and jad on this one. If Mulcair is going to continue to ride his high horse on matters re: how the Harper government is spending its money, I can see voters and Canadians wondering if Mulcair was in charge of Canada’s finances would he take the country where he’s taken his own finances. On that I see fair game. Why he renegotiated his mortgage so many times is his business. How it looks is another story, but most importantly how it’s MADE to look by the media and political spin-masters is the big question (as others have suggested).

There is also a kind of lesson about throwing stones at glass houses thing going on in the NDP camp which can’t be ignored either.

In Ontario I remember when our once Environment Minister (Under McGuinty) Laurel Broten (now our Education Minister) found herself demoted and in much hot water when it was discovered that at the same time she was publicly touting Dalton’s green energy plan and her famous FLICK OFF campaign, she and her hubby were installing one of those elevator-type mechanisms in their garage which lifts and rotates their cars (many of them). The press got wind of it and that was it for her in Environment.

Also, let’s also remember the outrage when the Toronto Star reporter was supposedly felt the rage of Rob Ford a month ago.

When I first read this piece in the Ottawa Citizen I wondered who tipped the paper off about this, and why the paper elected to publish it? Much to learn about the motive IMO.

Don’t for a minute go thinking that this is about informing the public.
This is all about getting the Liberals back in the game.
If that means going low and knee capping the competition, then that’s what they’ll do.

Well I agree with you Jo and fh we should not see any truth ads by the Conservatives about Mr Muclairs financial dealings.
Thats the Media’s job, the media should do their job and investigate.
I’m kinda curious though why anyone would re-mortgage when a line of credit with the house as collateral is so readily available, without the cost of an appraisal.
Too available IMHO, many people use their homes as ATM machines.
But that is another story isn’t it.
The House as ATM is why many homes have mortgages that are underwater, the homeowner owes more than the house is worth.
People are encouraged to live way beyond their means.
The lack of curiosity on the part of Mr Fife is “same old, same old” he certainly did not extend this courtesy to Helena Guergis.
Change the name of the “Mortgagee” to Stephen Harper or Bev Oda, or any other Caucus member of this Government, this would be in the “news cycle” 24/7.
Mr Muclair wants to be PM as did his predecessor Jack Layton.
If Mr Muclair cannot manage his own finances effectively I certainly don’t want him mishandling mine.
The real story here is a media that has no interest when an honest Bank Manager is harassed and loses his job for nor giving a loan to a felon to buy a golf course.
A media that has no interest when a contract is drawn up on a napkin.
A media that has no interest when a politician can’t tell the difference between a seedy rub and tug and a community Shiatsu Clinic.
I could mention more, there are a ” host” of others.
A glass of orange juice is a big deal, over a million dollars in expenses a year for two people is a yawn.
As I have said if any of these non storys had of had a Conservative name attached to it the Media would be in a frenzy.
Shameful.
Mr Muclair, seeems to be living in a mortgaged “glass” house, n’est ce pas?
I am beginning to find him very intresting.

When you really think about it Muclair could very well pull it off becoming the PM. Like Harper only has a great big huge 11 seat majority that he’s not really used to do anything really politically conservative. Oh yeah the wheat board, long gun registry and a supposed tough on crime bill thing that still sees child killers getting 23 years, no deterrent for family honour killings, sex offenders getting slaps on the wrist and people beheading others on a bus getting day passes you know. Harper’s political action thus far only gives a little milk and cookies to the right while still appeasing Quebec and eastern Canada so he can hold on to those 11 extra seats.

Believe me I’m no fan of this Muclair guy but we should be prepared for an NDP minority government, especially after Harper messed with the easterners’ entailments, EI and old age security. You know those 11 seats in the east will vote NDP because of that eastern sense of entitlement.

What are his taxes for the property based on, 56,000 or 300,000.
The media has been working non stop to try and get the PMO to come out against mulcair, and I hope this latest trap fails also.
The western premiers are having a meeting and on the agenda, mulcair. Would love to be a fly on the wall for that discussion.
Re the mortgage, do those media types think we have forgotten about how they went after Helena and her mortgage.
This story is all over the net, on blogs, facebook, twitter.
Bigger question, will the CPC appeal the court decision tomorrow. I hop so, or every liberal loser from now on will cry foul.

O/T
I watched the “scrum” segment of QP a few minutes ago and found what I believe are two major errors in tqo statements Craig Oliver made.
• Oliver said he is enjoying the “delicious irony” of Quebecers saying Bill 78 contravenes the Charter of Rights, which Quebecers love to hate because it was brought in by Oliver’s canoe paddling buddy, Trudeau.
News flash to Mr. Oliver: the Charter those Quebecers are referring to is this one: la Charte des droits et libertés [1975], which predated the Canadian Charter of Rights [1982]http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/international/general/quebec/valeurs/droits_citoyens/charte_droits_et_libertes/
I’m pointing this out not because I agree with the students & other protesters but simply to point out how uninformed even veteran journalists like Oliver appear to be.

• Another uninformed thing Oliver said today during the same segment referred to Conservative MP David Wilks, whose self-admitted lack of influence within the Conservative caucus is being pointed to as a sign of unrest within that caucus.
Oliver said that MPs like Wilks are unable to “vote their conscience”.
Oliver should know that votes on anything to do with money, like the current omnibus bill [Bill C-38], is traditionally whipped, i.e. all MPs are expected to vote with the government.
“A conscience vote or free vote is a type of vote in a legislative body where legislators are allowed to vote according to their own personal conscience rather than according to an official line set down by their political party. [Wiki] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscience_vote

The vote required of Mr. Wilks is NOT a conscience vote, as Craig Oliver stated.

Getting back to the topic of this thread … as Paulsstuff mentioned, it’s going to be interesting to see whether other media personalities comment on Mulcair’s multiple mortgages, especially Bob Fife, who was so outraged about Helena Guergis’ mortgage that at the time he said he intended to report it to the Ethics Commissioner.

Jad’s point about the seriousness of Jack Layton’s illness not being fully examined is valid, in retrospect. When the question was asked at the time, my reaction was, as now, that it was a private matter. I did not anticipate that the disease would progress so swiftly; I took Layton’s assurances at his word.

Also, the usual explanation about private information coming out is that public figures, i.e. politicians, should expect every aspect of their lives to be under scrutiny. Well, as far as I’m concerned, media personalities are also in the public eye; they also wield power, being in a position to influence public opinion. Does the general public have as much information about THEM? Do we know anything about Bob Fife’s or Glem McGregor’s mortgage, their family life, where & with whom they live, etc.? The media seems to guard that kind of information, doesn’t it?

Some may interpret my curiosity in media personalities’ lives as prurient interest. Far from it. All I’m doing is pointing out the validity of the adage “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander” — otherwise known as the ethic of reciprocity.

While it would be dumb for anyone high up within the CPC to comment about this mortgage refinancing, it should be OK for the media on down to us lowly annonymous posters to merrily speculate away. After all, much of what Mulcair says is just variations of tedious progressive gobbledygook (eg “sustainable development”, “internalizing environmental costs”), so we have little choice but to pick up on the more substantial, understandable aspects of this guy.

My favorite thing, which I like to mention at every opportunity, is that Tom/Thomas donated $0 to NDP-central between 2006 and Nov. 2011. This was contrary to the internal NDP requirement (probably including a directive from Saint Jack) that ALL Dipper MPs donate the maximum each year.

This is the kind of stuff that is easily understood and verified, but it’s too bad the media didn’t press him a lot more on it. A “Tom the cheapskate” narrative would be a fun one for us to flog.

BTW, the now generous team player Tom has donated $648 to the NDP in the first quarter of 2012, in three installments.

http://www.therecord.com/opinion/columns/article/731976–we-were-warned-51-years-ago
this is 2012 we have witnessed airplanes commercial airplanes used as bombs against the USA September 11,
in 1961 my parents never NEVER locked their house door during the day but did lock up at night
1992 my house was locked but my front door was smashed and my house was robbed
my daughter had fortunatly chosen to help out at my office that day and was not home I feel very blessed but now live in my home with every window and door reinforced
sorry to NOT agree with Geoffrey Stevens but I am in favour of a strong military for my country Canada

I completely agree that it’s OK to pursue the mindset of an individual who desires to lead a country, who blatantly criticises the FINANCES,lives in and supports a province (not a country) that is a financial gong show.
The fact that he may be financially a personal question mark for a private sector CEO should be enough to be a question mark to be a FEDERAL ….CEO!~

For those that think we shouldn’t know the personal details of OUR CEO…….ummm yes we should! Your wives and husbands are scrutinized every time they apply for a job, SO SHOULD THOMAS MULCAIR!

While I generally agree about personal matters being private, remember the swamp of hypocrisy the Legacy media has become. It is OK to delve into the personal and private issue of Vic Towes divorce because he is a Conservative, but it is not OK to delve into how Mr Mulcair handles his personal finances because he is a “progressive”.

As I’ve often said, I think it’s frankly none of my business what people do in their own private life, as long as it’s nothing illegal or unethical. That is why I dislike the Mulcair mortgage story and that is why I think it was disgraceful to publicize the details of Vic Toews’ divorce.

On the other hand, Bec, I realize your argument re: the financial aspect is sound, i.e. that someone who aspires to lead the country to its financial well-being must be able to do so in his/her own life. But as commenters Thucydides and Paulsstuff have pointed out, the MSM will probably treat such disclosures differently, depending on whether the coverage favours the “progressives” or not. That is part of my focus on such stories. If Conservatives “pile on” Mulcair, using the story as an angle, the MSM would probably turn the story into a “heartless mean-spirited Conservatives” meme instead of a “why is Mulcair financially-challenged” meme.

Whether we like it or not, most people do not read conservative political blogs, and many do not even read past newspaper headlines, so that the opinions they form are filtered through the MSM prism. That is why I think Conservatives and even small-c conservatives would do well to tread carefully around some stories.

It’s really difficult to sit back and watch how the media can just wallow in muck when it comes to the Conservatives. They laugh and tweet about the depiction painted of our PM in the nude, which is a disgrace and shows an ultimate disrespect for the man and the Office.

IMO, something should be done about this offensive fake, he and his family should not have to tolerate this kind of rot.

Even though I’ve repeatedly said politicians’ personal lives and attack ads focusing on the person rather than a politician’s policies is the wrong way to go, I’m not sure which strategy WOULD work. With the number of mostly self-proclaimed “experts” now giving their opinion on anything and everything, many people don’t know what or whom to believe anymore or how far is too far. Perhaps the best reaction is detached humour:
From a Toronto Sun story titled ‘Well hung’ nude Harper painting sparks mixed reactions
«“We’re not impressed. Everyone knows the PM is a cat person,” said Andrew MacDougall, Harper’s director of Communications.»

Forget about maintaining respect for the office of the Prime Minister and by default, its occupant, or other formerly respected figures, living or dead. That notion has been replaced by the notion of absolute freedom of expression. The latter is at work in the “art” you refer to, as it was in the dung-covered madonna and other forms of shock art.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_art#Select_notable_examples

Probably because the package wasn’t delivered to NDP headquarters. Seems the Media Party fears public sympathy for the Harper gov’t, that those who oppose their agenda are unreasonable, to say the least. Because obviously there’s some sort of political motive here on the part of the individual that sent the package. And no speculation by the reporters I heard from; no possibility of someone having sent it with a left-wing bent. The media never speculate — ever. Except, of course, had it gone to NDP headquarters, then the speculation would’ve run rampant, with some right-winger behind it, opposed to the NDP’s daily attacks on the gov’t.

Just give it a day or two. I’m sure reporters will muse about the policies of the current gov’t inspiring someone to take such extreme measures and what it says about the path they have set the country on. Sounds cynical but just wait for it… it’s coming.

Maybe the person delivering this horrible pkg is a very upset worker who was ordered back to work. If it was mailed, there is a date stamp etc.
Lots of jokes going around re whether it was a left or right foot. Is it a female or male foot, and if it was bleeding, it had to be a recent amputation. Or as my son suggested, cut off some torso a while ago and frozen and then mailed and it thawed out.
Regardless, someone is very very sick.

PM Harper is a target simply because he’s a good, decent individual. I believe he wants to change what needs to be changed in order to make for a better country. The Conservative party wants to do the right thing on many issues which means stepping on many toes. By attempting to bring in the major changes required to make for a more moral society, you’re upsetting the applecart. Those affected will do what they can to see that change does not come about even though it may be very beneficial for the country as a whole. Kind of like Jesus upsetting the applecart, the battle between good and evil. BTW, Jesus did not avoid issues even though nearly everyone was against Him. He knew that there were those that would twist His words but that did not stop Him.

The torso found in Montreal had no head or limbs. Let us hope they are not in the mail. Reports say the second pkg contained a hand.
Back to work bill passed tonight, but there were a lot of ndpq mps who put on quit a show with their rants, yelling, and bringing up everything under the sun.
As one of them said, in a mocking tone, this govt is more concerned that the trains run on time than the rights of workers.
Rae suggested that if back to work bills will always be presented, collective bargaining is dead. (paraphrased)
Just maybe union negotiators should pay attention and quit asking for the moon and the stars.

I believe that moving to one school system has been in the works with the McGuinty gov’t for quite some time Joanne. I agree with Lilley on McGuinty’s motives behind his new bullying laws.

What really REALLY bothers me is that McGuinty to this point has virtually ignored the calls for tougher bullying laws by parents and students, whether gay or straight, throughout his entire mandate.

He sees a wedge issue and he’s going to use it.

The big problem though arises because that Catholic school system was the choice of Dalton McGuinty and his family. Hudak’s a Catholic School grad., his parents taught there, and Horwath went to a Catholic school.

Wading in to this again might see the end of Dalton McGuinty as Premier.

It’s going to be VERY interesting to see how the opposition plays this issue from here on in.

Sorry Joanne, have been totally entranced with the Ontario Opinion Leaders tweets section on the Ontario News Watch page. Today being Wednesday, it’s also the ORNGE enquiry day. In the Legislature the ever dogged PC MPP Frank Klees is trying to get Premier Channel Changer to appear before the panel before it unfortunately soon runs its course.

now they’re bringing Flaherty in to this mix too!
Nuts!
Too bad the Liberals can’t seem to get it through their heads that it is THEY who are in power and have been for the last many years…..too many! That means this is on THEIR watch. They can try and divert and blame others all they want but the Liberals need to wear this one…..the Minister should resign.

Re ‘Instant Replay’ feature on CFRA website. One can move the slider back in order to replay up to 30 minutes but one would have to have been signed into Listen Live for up to that length of time. Clear?